The wait is finally over for fans as Summer Newman returns to Genoa City with a mission: to expose the interloper known as Claire. In a “Don’t Miss It” moment, Summer reportedly “tears off Claire’s mask,” revealing her true identity and her hidden past. Claire has been infiltrating the Newman family under false pretenses, gaining their trust while working toward a secret goal that could destroy them from within.
The psychological tension in this scene is a highlight of the month. Summer, always protective of her family and her position, never trusted Claire’s “good girl” act. By exposing her, Summer proves her instincts were right and saves her family from a potentially catastrophic betrayal. Claire’s “true identity” is said to be linked to a long-forgotten enemy of the Newmans, making her presence in Genoa City a calculated act of revenge.
As the mask falls, Claire’s demeanor shifts from sweet to sinister, revealing the cold-hearted strategist beneath. The fallout is immediate, as Victor and Nikki are forced to confront their own lapse in judgment for letting her into their lives. Summer’s return marks a shift in the power dynamic, as she reclaims her place as the family’s primary defender. This storyline explores the themes of deception, family loyalty, and the inevitable return of the past.
Maranello’s Finest: A Decade of Driving the Most Revered Ferraris
For more than ten years, my career has been defined by the intoxicating aroma of leather and premium fuel, the visceral roar of an engine pushed to its limit, and the indelible pursuit of automotive perfection. In this time, I’ve had the unparalleled privilege of experiencing some of the most legendary road-going machines ever to emerge from Maranello. Ferrari isn’t just a manufacturer; it’s an icon, a purveyor of dreams, and a brand that consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive engineering. Selecting the absolute best Ferraris is a monumental task, akin to choosing a favorite star in the night sky. Yet, over the years, certain models have etched themselves into my memory, not just for their performance figures, but for the sheer, unadulterated emotion they evoke. This is my curated list, a testament to Maranello’s enduring legacy, from the innovative 296 Speciale to the raw, untamed spirit of the F40.
The landscape of automotive excellence is littered with marques that have produced a few standout vehicles. Ferrari, however, is in a league of its own, boasting an almost overwhelming array of automotive masterpieces. From the foundational GTs that defined long-distance elegance to the fire-breathing supercars and hypercars that set lap records and imaginations alight, their history is a rich tapestry of innovation and passion. Even their recent foray into the SUV segment with the Purosangue, while a significant departure, speaks to their drive to evolve. For the purposes of this discussion, however, we’ll focus on the purebred sports cars and GTs that have truly defined the best Ferraris for enthusiasts and collectors.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the modern era of hybrid powertrains. The inclusion of vehicles like the F80, with its V6 hybrid setup, or the 296 Speciale, might raise an eyebrow for purists accustomed to the thunderous symphony of naturally aspirated V12s. However, as an industry expert with a decade of hands-on experience, I can attest that these innovations are not merely concessions to modern emissions standards; they are catalysts for unprecedented performance and driving dynamics. The F80, for instance, represents a bold new direction for Ferrari hypercars, a technological tour de force that redefines the very essence of rapid transport. Likewise, the 296 Speciale masterfully blends a compact, potent V6 with electric assistance to create a driving experience that is both ferociously fast and remarkably engaging, proving that Ferrari V6 performance can indeed be as exhilarating as its V8 and V12 predecessors.
The Pinnacle of Maranello: My Top Selections
Ferrari 458 Speciale: The Last Hurrah of Naturally Aspirated V8 Brilliance
The Ferrari 458 Speciale remains a benchmark, a shining example of what a naturally aspirated V8 supercar can achieve. While horsepower figures have become increasingly less relevant in an era of forced induction, the 4.5-liter V8 in the Speciale produces a breathtaking 597 bhp. This translates to an astonishing 133 bhp per liter, a testament to Ferrari’s engineering prowess even before the widespread adoption of turbocharging. But numbers only tell part of the story. The soul of this machine lies in its operatic soundtrack and its exhilarating ability to rev to a dizzying 9,000 rpm. Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of weight reduction, shedding 90kg compared to the standard 458, combined with carefully selected performance components, ensures the chassis is the star of the show. The result is a fast, focused, and utterly exhilarating experience. For many, the 458 Speciale price on the used market reflects its status as one of the greatest mid-engined supercars ever conceived, a true contender for the best supercar of all time.
Ferrari F50: A V12 Symphony of Carbon Fiber and Speed
Following the legendary F40 was no small feat, but Ferrari achieved it with the Ferrari F50. At its heart lies a Formula 1-derived, naturally aspirated V12 engine, a powerplant that sings a glorious tune within a carbon fiber chassis and an open-top body. Many whisper that it’s an even more sublime road car than its predecessor. While contemporary reviews sometimes suggested a softer, less defined character than the F40, my experience reveals a V12 with unparalleled reach and responsiveness. This 4.7-liter masterpiece is an integral part of the chassis, its vibrations permeating the cabin from the moment it ignites. This intensity encourages a deep connection with the machine, even when navigating challenging roads in a V12 hypercar. The F50’s wonderfully communicative steering and phenomenal powertrain solidify its place as one of the greatest Ferrari V12 cars of any era.
Ferrari 12 Cilindri: A Bold Homage to the V12 Legacy
The Ferrari 12 Cilindri arrives as the successor to the formidable 812 Superfast, tasked with celebrating Ferrari’s iconic V12 engine. Its bold, Daytona-inspired design certainly sparked debate upon its unveiling, but the decision to retain a large-displacement, naturally aspirated V12 in 2024 has proven to be a masterstroke. While initial drives suggest a slight reduction in aural theatre compared to its predecessor, the V12 itself remains an engineering marvel. Despite a modest drop in peak torque, the 819 bhp output positions it firmly alongside the outstanding 812 Competizione, with a redline that brushes an astonishing 9,500 rpm. The hyperactive controls are still present, but the 12 Cilindri leans more towards the Grand Tourer ethos. It offers improved predictability at the limit and superior comfort for extended journeys, expertly fulfilling the super GT brief. For those seeking the ultimate in new Ferrari V12 models, this is a compelling choice.
Ferrari 296 Speciale: The Hybrid Supercar Revolution
The notion of a V6 engine and a substantial plug-in hybrid system in a car bearing the “Speciale” badge might have initially seemed unconventional. However, the Ferrari 296 Speciale is an astonishing testament to Ferrari’s ability to innovate. Stomp on the throttle, and the acceleration is ferocious, accompanied by a wailing V6 note that, remarkably, is more tuneful than the twin-turbo V8 of the 488 Pista. The car’s considerable weight seems to dissipate with the first turn of the steering wheel, exhibiting a fluidity and lightness of touch that defines the best modern Ferraris. This is undeniably the future of supercars, and it’s a future we can embrace. With 868 bhp, the 296 Speciale surpasses the Pista in raw output, but it’s the seamless integration of the electric motor with the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that truly sets it apart. This synergy creates the impression of a much larger displacement engine, delivering instant response for incredibly precise driving. It feels laser-guided yet remarkably stable, with sophisticated chassis electronics that reward drivers of all skill levels. Ferrari’s stated goal was to prioritize driver feel and thrills over mere lap times and g-forces, and this is palpably evident behind the wheel. The 296 Speciale is a future Maranello legend in the making. The Ferrari 296 GTB price reflects its advanced technology and performance, making it a significant investment for discerning buyers.
Ferrari 812 Competizione: Unleashing Unbridled V12 Fury
A recurring theme across modern Ferraris is their shockingly potent performance. It’s not that Ferraris have ever been slow; rather, with power figures now routinely reaching six, seven, and even eight hundred horsepower, truly unleashing them requires nerves of steel. Few cars make that experience as utterly thrilling as the Ferrari 812 Competizione. If the 812 Superfast straddled the line between GT and supercar, the Competizione firmly resides in the latter category. With 819 bhp and a piercing 9,500 rpm redline, it is monumentally, brain-scramblingly fast. The initial surge of acceleration in second and third gear is an expletive-inducing rush of adrenaline. The Competizione takes the 812’s aerodynamic package to extreme levels with its sculpted bodywork, intricate flicks, and splitters, asserting its character before you even turn the key. The addition of an independent rear-wheel-steering system, coupled with revised chassis electronics, harnesses this immense power to deliver a scintillating yet organic driving experience unlike any other. For those seeking the pinnacle of Ferrari V12 performance, the Competizione is an undeniable champion.
Ferrari 430 Scuderia: A Raw and Focused Track Weapon
The Ferrari 430 Scuderia stands as a pivotal moment in Ferrari’s evolution of track-focused road cars, building upon the foundation laid by the 360 Challenge Stradale and drawing parallels with the Porsche 911 GT3 RS of the era. Introduced in 2007, it showcased Ferrari’s burgeoning technical innovation and increasing performance capabilities. The 4.3-liter F136 V8 delivered 503 bhp, remarkable for its time and not far off the power of the V12 in the 575M GT of only a few years prior, albeit with its peak power arriving much higher in the rev range, a hallmark of naturally aspirated engines from that period. This was also the era before dual-clutch transmissions. The Scuderia’s single-clutch ‘F1’ gearbox was one of the fastest iterations, a fitting companion for spirited road and track driving, a significant leap from the original F1 gearbox found in the F355. Featuring Ferrari’s E-Diff, adaptive dampers, and F1-Track traction control, the systems worked in harmony to enhance performance rather than simply cut power. Despite its increasing electronic sophistication, the 430 Scuderia remained one of Maranello’s great thrillers – technically astounding, increasingly capable, yet visceral and exhilarating, all wrapped in Pininfarina’s timeless design. This represents a significant chapter in performance Ferrari models.
Ferrari 550 Maranello: A Return to Front-Engined V12 Grandeur
Like its predecessor, the 456, the Ferrari 550 Maranello drew comparisons to the legendary Daytona. Its sharp, shark-like styling, perhaps not fully appreciated at the time of its release, evoked the spirit of the 365 GTB/4. Crucially, the 550 was a pure two-seater, unlike the 456’s more accommodating cabin. It served not just as a GT but as an effective replacement for the Testarossa-derived 512M, offering a revelation in modernity and accessible handling thanks to its front-engined layout. The transaxle arrangement provided ideal weight distribution, and the 478 bhp, 5.5-liter V12 offered ample power. This was a fabulous super GT, even finding success in motorsport with numerous privateer entries and a GTS class win at Le Mans in 2003. The Ferrari 550 Maranello value continues to climb for collectors appreciating its blend of classic GT attributes and V12 power.
Ferrari Roma: Elegance and Driving Prowess Redefined
Ferrari’s previous front-engined V8 models, the California and Portofino, while capable, never quite captured the essence of a pure Ferrari GT. The Ferrari Roma, however, proves that the formula was sound, but the execution was lacking. It’s the car those predecessors should have been: classically beautiful, with subtle curves replacing Ferrari’s more recent aggressive styling, free of overt aerodynamic appendages. It boasts impressive grand touring abilities, with a restrained and comfortable cabin and exceptional ride quality. Most importantly, it imbues genuine Ferrari driving characteristics more convincingly than the Portofino, with which it shares much of its platform. The 612 bhp variant of the front-mounted, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 delivers potent acceleration, and the handling is precise, with Ferrari’s signature quick steering feeling remarkably composed here. While ride quality is tire-dependent, the Roma hits far more often than it misses. For a stylish and engaging new Ferrari GT car, the Roma is an outstanding choice.
Ferrari F40: The Ultimate Race Car for the Road
Few cars truly embody the spirit of a “race car for the road” as definitively as the Ferrari F40. Sitting in its spartan cabin, with its fuzzy fabric dashboard, visible body sealant, and drawstring door handles, one can almost feel like a suit and helmet away from being an IMSA driver. Despite its fearsome reputation as one of the most raw, unadulterated road cars ever built, the F40 is surprisingly docile unless truly provoked. The ride is remarkably supple, and the steering is light. While the gearshift and heavy clutch demand deliberation, the car responds beautifully to a precise driving style. Drop a gear, and the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8 unleashes a relentless torrent of power. However, the F40 can be tamed with fine throttle adjustments and quick hands; it’s no more demanding than many other supercars in this regard. Its square-jawed, brutal styling, motorsport feel, and analog approach to turbocharging bestow upon it arguably the most distinctive character of any Ferrari, a distinction that is likely to endure for decades. The Ferrari F40 price reflects its unparalleled status as an automotive icon.
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta: A Masterclass in V12 Grand Touring
At its launch, the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta was widely regarded as the pinnacle of front-engined V12 Ferrari engineering. The only lingering caveat from its predecessors, the single-clutch transmission, was replaced by a rapid dual-clutch unit. The V12’s displacement increased to 6.3 liters, boosting power to 730 bhp and intensifying the driving experience to stratospheric levels. The F12 was more compact, featured a more refined interior, and shed 70kg. Crucially, all these enhancements coalesced into an astonishingly rounded, capable, and thrilling machine. The F12 Berlinetta arguably achieved the perfect fusion of supercar and grand tourer, perhaps for the first time. It even hints at hypercar performance, sharing an engine and, notably, a vocal signature with the seven-figure LaFerrari. There are few roads or journeys that the F12 cannot conquer, provided you’re traveling solo or with a single companion. The only persistent critique might be its steering, which, at times, could feel a touch too frenetic for such a substantial super GT. The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta for sale often represents a significant value for a car offering such a potent blend of performance and luxury.
Ferrari F80: The Future of Hypercar Innovation
The Ferrari F80 represents a generational leap, the sixth in a lineage of hypercars stretching back over 40 years and the first since the groundbreaking LaFerrari in 2012. This machine diverges significantly from its predecessors. For the first time in a Ferrari hypercar of this caliber, power is sent to all four wheels. Furthermore, it employs a V6 engine, not a V12, a move not seen since the F40. Concerns were raised about whether a V6 could suffice for a flagship Ferrari, especially at a price point exceeding £3 million. Having experienced the F80 firsthand, I can unequivocally state that it feels incredibly special—a culmination of Ferrari’s vast technical acumen, translated into a driver-centric language. Its astonishingly complex systems, from the Multimatic dampers and active aerodynamics to the powertrain and steering control, blend seamlessly into a cohesive whole, elevating the driving experience without compromise. The V6 hybrid powertrain delivers phenomenal performance, instantaneous response, and a captivating sound within the cabin. In essence, it enthralls as a Ferrari hypercar should, albeit through avenues we might not have anticipated. This car redefines next-gen Ferrari hypercars.
Ferrari Daytona SP3: A Modern Interpretation of V12 Majesty
In many respects, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 serves as a modern reincarnation of the iconic F50. Its extravagant, swooping lines, removable roof, and mid-mounted V12 echo its 1995 hypercar ancestor. However, nearly three decades of development have propelled its performance and character into an entirely new stratosphere, though outright driver involvement can be a slightly different equation. As the first mid-engined, non-hybrid V12 Ferrari since the Enzo, the SP3 offers an organic feel to its response. You plant the throttle, manage the wheelspin, and pull through the gears as the V12 shrieks towards its 9,500 rpm redline; few cars can match its primal adrenaline hit. Thankfully, the SP3 possesses that quintessential Ferrari trait of inspiring confidence despite its monumental performance and eye-watering value, benefiting from E-Diff and electronic aids borrowed from their series production cars. With all 599 examples already accounted for, its desirability is undeniable. This is a definitive statement in limited edition Ferrari models.
Ferrari LaFerrari: The Hybrid King of its Era
This was the benchmark the Ferrari F80 was tasked with succeeding, a challenging endeavor given the F80’s fundamentally different approach to hypercar design. With the benefit of hindsight, and notwithstanding its hybrid innovation, the LaFerrari was a remarkably traditional Ferrari flagship. It boasted a bloodcurdling 6.3-liter V12 engine, was rear-driven, and featured sculptural, traditionally beautiful bodywork rather than an aero-centric design. The brilliance of the LaFerrari lay in how it improved upon its predecessor, the Enzo. The Enzo, an early 2000s hypercar, featured a capricious single-clutch automated manual transmission, was raw and unrefined, and demanded a great deal from its driver. The LaFerrari, in contrast, was more approachable and usable. Its dual-clutch transmission was obedient and rapid, and its powertrain tractable with a broad range of performance. The interior quality was higher, making it more of a luxury item and more comfortable on the road. It wasn’t an edgy car; many described it, in the most complimentary sense, as feeling like a large V12-engined 458. Yet, it still felt mightily special. For enthusiasts seeking hybrid Ferrari performance, the LaFerrari remains a benchmark.
Ferrari 812 GTS: The Uncompromising V12 Convertible
The Ferrari 812 GTS could, perhaps uncharitably, be described as an iteration and development of the F12, lacking the revolutionary leap its predecessor made from the 599. However, iteration on excellence invariably breeds excellence, and that’s precisely what occurred with the 812 Superfast coupe. The GTS version introduced a new dimension to this excellence with the advent of the convertible-roofed variant. Beyond bestowing a touch of elegance onto the aggressive 812, lopping off the roof brought you closer to a V12 concerto that arguably knows no peer. While the Daytona SP3 might offer a similar experience, the 12 Cilindri Spider, successor to the GTS, saw its fury toned down. The most significant aspect, particularly for those craving driving thrills, was that removing the fixed roof resulted in barely perceptible compromise in terms of rigidity and, consequently, the car’s dynamics. It only enhanced the 812 experience, which is undeniably a positive. An interesting note for potential buyers is that the GTS arrived late in the 812’s lifecycle, making it relatively rare. This might explain why they still command prices in the region of £300,000 on the used market, representing a rare opportunity for used Ferrari V12 convertible ownership.
From the raw, analogue thrill of the F40 to the technologically advanced symphony of the F80, Ferrari has consistently delivered automotive dreams. Each of these machines represents a unique chapter in Maranello’s illustrious history, offering an unparalleled driving experience.
Are you ready to explore the world of Ferrari? Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a passionate enthusiast dreaming of your first Prancing Horse, we invite you to connect with us to discuss your aspirations and discover the Maranello masterpiece that perfectly suits your desires.
